These Shoulder-season Months Are the Secret to Saving Money and Avoiding Crowds During Your Tokyo Trip

Tokyo has always been a major tourist destination, particularly in late March through early April, when billowy cherry blossoms take center stage and temperate weather is the norm. During this time, you’re sure to see a large influx of visitors eager to explore the city’s budding parks, neon-lit alleyways, and quirky nightlife. With this rise in interest also comes higher hotel prices and crowds that require a bit of patience to navigate. If you’re looking to traverse this multifaceted metropolis at a different pace, consider shoulder season from late April through mid-June and mid-September through December. Here are just a few perks of traveling during this time.

More Accommodation Options

Tokyo is renowned for its hotels that cater to both luxury and budget-minded travelers. During high season, however, these properties become increasingly harder to book, unless done well in advance. That’s why shoulder season is ideal for more options, oftentimes with much lower prices at sought-after hotels, too.

Take advantage by checking into the classic towering luxury retreat at Mandarin Oriental, where you just might be able to nab a seat at Chef Kento Ushikubo’s coveted Tapas Molecular Bar or an eight-seat omakase pizza experience on the hotel’s 38th floor. 

Or, plan a stay at the sleek Trunk Hotel in the popular neighborhood of Shibuya, just steps away from a number of popular city attractions. With just 15 rooms, it’s often booked up during high season, but you may get lucky during shoulder season.

Fewer Crowds

With fewer crowds during shoulder season, you’ll have better access to some of the city’s most coveted seats and sightseeing. Stroll Tsukiji market at your own pace, or take in panoramic views from the observation deck at Tokyo Skytree. In September and October, temperatures are generally still agreeable enough to explore Tokyo’s incredible parks and shrines, including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Ueno Park. 

Local Events 

Immerse yourself in the moon-viewing parties during Tsukimi, a festival celebrated in early fall as a way to express gratitude for a good harvest. Some of the best Tokyo locations to partake in the lunar festivities include Tokyo Tower and Sankeien Garden. Though temperatures drop considerably in December, you’ll find plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit with Christmas markets around the city, including at Roppongi Hills and Hibiya.

More Affordable Flights 

You’ll also be able to avoid the higher airfare that’s typical during high season in Tokyo—so consider splurging on a business-class or first-class seat. We asked the experts to narrow down the cheapest times to fly to Japan, and they weighed in with some money-saving Japan travel tips, too.